Miami, Florida – Jiří Procházka is set to face Carlos Ulberg on April 11, 2026, at UFC 327 in Miami, battling for the vacant light heavyweight title. However, the path to this matchup wasn’t straightforward, as a different, highly anticipated bout was reportedly already finalized before a shift in plans. The potential fight between Procházka and Khamzat Chimaev, while not officially announced, was reportedly close to becoming a reality before circumstances changed, according to recent reports.
The revelation came from MMA Letem Světem, where promoter Novotný shared details suggesting the Procházka vs. Ulberg fight wasn’t the UFC’s initial plan. “The interesting thing about this fight is that it wasn’t supposed to happen, that another fight had already been agreed upon, which was already done,” Novotný stated. This suggests a significant change in direction for the promotion’s plans for the light heavyweight division.
A Chimaev Matchup Nearly Confirmed
According to Novotný, UFC’s Hunter Campbell, a key figure within the organization after Dana White, played a role in the shift. “Hunter (the second highest person in UFC after White) panicked a bit, or I don’t know if I can say it like that,” Novotný explained. “When we saw the graphic for the fight Procházka vs. Chimaev, it wasn’t a bad graphic. It was a fight that had already been agreed upon.”
The potential bout hinged on Chimaev’s weight class. “Khamzat is now quite ‘fat’ and it’s far to the middleweight, so he agreed to go with Jiri,” Novotný said. Chimaev, known for his aggressive style, seemingly had the final say, but a contingency plan involving Sean Strickland complicated matters. The UFC reportedly intended to wait and see if Strickland could defeat Hernandez, a scenario many doubted. “The Wolf said that Sean has bad talk, which Strickland immediately had, so Chimaev decided to ‘execute’ Strickland,” Novotný added, describing a rapid change in focus for Chimaev.
The initial plan for Procházka vs. Chimaev was, according to Novotný, a done deal. “The Procházka vs. Chimaev fight was real and it can be expected that It’s possibly the next fight,” he stated, hinting at the possibility of the matchup being rescheduled in the future. UFC 327 is scheduled for April 11, 2026, in Miami, Florida, and will feature Procházka and Ulberg vying for the vacant light heavyweight championship.
Ulberg Steps In After Pereira’s Move
The shift to Ulberg as Procházka’s opponent came after Alex Pereira vacated the light heavyweight title to move up to the heavyweight division. UFC.com confirms that UFC 327 will be headlined by the Procházka vs. Ulberg bout for the vacant title. Ulberg, currently ranked #5 in the UFC Light Heavyweight division with a record of 13-1-0, presents a formidable challenge for the #3 ranked Procházka (32-5-1).
The upcoming fight represents a significant opportunity for both fighters. Procházka, a former champion, aims to reclaim the title, while Ulberg seeks to become a champion for the first time. The bout is expected to be a main event attraction, drawing considerable attention from MMA fans worldwide.
Looking Ahead: Potential for Procházka vs. Chimaev?
While Procházka is currently focused on his fight against Ulberg, the possibility of a future matchup with Chimaev remains open. Novotný’s comments suggest that the UFC had serious intentions of booking the fight, and the circumstances that led to its postponement could potentially be resolved. The dynamic between Chimaev and Strickland, and Chimaev’s weight class considerations, will likely play a role in determining whether the fight can be rescheduled.
The UFC 327 event in Miami promises to be a pivotal moment in the light heavyweight division. Fans will be watching closely to see if Procházka can regain his championship status and whether the potential for a future clash between Procházka and Chimaev materializes. The next update regarding potential future matchups is expected following the conclusion of UFC 327 on April 11th.
What are your thoughts on the potential Procházka vs. Chimaev fight? Share your predictions and reactions in the comments below.
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